The Chamber in the news

Recent local news featuring The Chamber:

Legislators, chambers share views: "On many issues, the chambers shared similar perspectives. All three called for a balanced budget, required by the state constitution. In general, they wanted it not to be balanced with tax increases –- though Fort Wayne Chamber President and CEO Mike Landram did say purchases made online ought to be taxed so as to eliminate a disadvantage that retailers here face."

‘Opt-out day’ fails to take off at Fort Wayne airport: "Dave Young, vice president of air service development for the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, said there were no incidents at Fort Wayne International Airport requiring a show of force by security agents, and he did not hear of any complaints prompted by the scanning."

Airport Authority Receives More Funding

Good news for the Airport - as the Airport Authority continues to work on the new Master Plan, it has received an additional $209,740 in Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grant funds to complete the financial planning, report documentation, and development of the airport layout plans. 

One important component of this phase of funding will be updating the FWACAA Airfield Pavement Management Program to a new MicroPaver software platform. This component will target the development of a pavement management approach that includes training of FWA staff for future inspections, database updating, and annual revisions to the pavement management system. This will help reduce overall costs in terms of pavement management.

Exciting Changes Around the Corner @ FWA...

There are some exciting changes underway at Fort Wayne International Airport. I'll give you a hint - "Seattle's Best" and "Sam Adams".

Many passengers nowadays prefer to move quickly through a security line and then afterwards take time to relax and enjoy a meal. In order to meet the changing needs of customers, FWA is introducing two new dining concepts that will give passengers the opportunity to “grab and go” or “relax and enjoy”! On the landside both passengers and other airport visitors will enjoy the tasty offerings of Seattle’s Best Coffee and Sandwiches, including a wide range of coffees to sandwiches, pizzas, and salads.

Ticketed passengers leaving Fort Wayne will have the opportunity to relax in the Sam Adams Brewhouse. The Brewhouse will be a sports pub atmosphere serving a wide variety of Samuel Adams beers as well as a full-service menu. Passengers will now be able to catch the end of the game and enjoy a nice meal before they hop on the plane.

For more information on FWA's "Overhaul," check out the August 6th issue of Emphasis magazine.

Longest Drive Proceeds for United Way

Dave Young, Chamber VP of Air Service Development, presents proceeds from the Longest Drive competition to Ron Turpin, United Way of Allen County Board President. Proceeds from the event were split between Riley Children's Hospital and the United Way. 

Results for Riley... Proceeds from Long Drive Contest Benefit Hospital

Barb Richards, Program Director of WAJI MAJIC 95.1FM holds a check made out to Riley Children's Hospital with Dave Young, Chamber V.P. of Air Service Development. The check was a result of Fort Wayne International Airport's Longest Drive Competition held earlier this year.

Airport Authority Gears Up for Road Reconstruction Project

Speaking of the Airport, here's some good news for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority. They have received a grant in the amount of $4,477,498 for a project on the Northwest Perimeter Road. The project is expected to begin in August and be completed by the end of the year. The total cost of construction will be approximately $4,713,156. The grant will provide federal funding to cover 95% of the total construction costs. The remaining project costs will be funded from a state grant and airport authority contributions.

The project includes reconstruction of portions of the existing Northwest Perimeter Road along the west side of Runway 14-32. It also includes an extension and realignment of the road to the north, adjacent to Airport Expressway, and along the east side of Runway 14-32 and Taxiway Y. In addition, this work will also include reconnection of the Runway 14-32 Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) and Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs). The project will also include improvements to grading and drainage infrastructure that will redirect watershed from draining to adjacent properties on the northwest corner of the airfield. This work is being coordinated with the Allen County Surveyors Office.

This isn't the only improvement work going on at FWA. They have some things going on inside as well. But more on that later...


P.S. Did you know that Fort Wayne International Airport has the longest landing strip in the Midwest? 

Airport Invites Public Input on Long-Range Plans

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority is inviting your input in the goals and future development of Fort Wayne International Airport. They will host an informational meeting and public workshop at 5:30 p.m. this evening at the Allen County Public Library downtown.

The Airport Authority initiated a new Master Plan Study at Fort Wayne International Airport in the fall of 2009. Master Plans are prepared to detail the specific long-range plans of the airport within the framework of statewide and regional/metropolitan plans. These plans identify the development needs of the airport on the basis of forecasts of aviation activity, the potential environmental effects, community compatibility, and financial feasibility. Airport master planning seeks to determine operational need and programming development for a 20-year time period.

This community meeting will discuss the process and goals identified for the on-going development of the Fort Wayne International Airport Master Plan. The Airport Master Plan focuses on identifying needs associated with the Airport to ensure sufficient capacity and facilities exist in order to direct economic growth and support aviation activity well into 2030.

The Airport Authority encourages the public to attend and ask questions one-on-one with Airport Authority personnel and its consultant, RW Armstrong. This is the public’s opportunity to be actively involved in the development of the Airport Master Plan for the Fort Wayne International Airport. The meeting format includes a brief 30 minute overview presentation at 5:30 p.m. followed by a workshop setting with four manned work stations set up for public interaction, including a question and answer period. The meeting will conclude at 7 p.m.

And the Longest Drive is…

by Lauren Richwine, Communications Specialist

580.91 yards! That’s how far Randy Potts, winner of the men’s division, drove his golf ball at the Fort Wayne Airport’s Longest Drive Contest on Wednesday, May 26th. Hilary Bowman took first in the women’s division after hitting her drive 437.45 yards. Large trophies were presented to each winner commemorating their victory (pictured here is Hilary receiving her trophy from Chamber president Mike Landram). 

It was the hottest day of the week but that didn’t deter the men and women who came out. Some were professionals, stretching and eyeing the tarmac before attempting their drive. Others were not. A mother with her children, for example, who had never swung a golf club in her life but heard about the event on the radio and wanted to support Riley Hospital. Each participant was honored with a certificate that documented their participation and the length of their longest drive.

All proceeds from the competition went to benefit the Riley Hospital for Children. Other prizes given away included round trip tickets to Myrtle Beach on Allegiant, a golf travel bag from Bobicks, rounds of golf from Brookwood Golf Course and many others. 

See You Tomorrow for the "Longest Drive"!

Don't forget to head out to FWA tomorrow afternoon for a unique opportunity to take a shot at a world record. In continued celebration of non-stop flights to Myrtle Beach, SC, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (along with us) is hosting an attempt to break the world record for the "longest golf drive." This will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, May 26 from 3-7 p.m. on the ramp at the Air Trade Center (corner of Coverdale Road and International Drive).

You will not only have the opportunity to hit your own longest drive, but you will also be able to register to win a number of prizes, including roundtrip airfare to Myrtle Beach provided by Allegiant Airlines, a travel golf bag courtesy of Bobicks, and rounds of golf from Brookwood Golf Club. Distances will be determined using the services of Anderson Surveying Inc, with trophies being given to the longest drive by a male and female participant. Click here for more info!

P.S. Congrats to the Airport Authority! Yesterday the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The award is for the significant accomplishment of completing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. Find a copy of the 2008 CAFR at www.fwairport.com. 

How Far Can You Go?

Broken any world records lately? Well here's your chance! Join the Chamber, Fort Wayne International Airport, Majic 95.1, and Bobicks Golf for "The Longest Drive Competition." On Wednesday, May 26 from 3 to 7 p.m. we will be on the tarmac at the Air Trade Center at FWA. Participants will drive the ball and see how far they can go. FYI, the current record is 720 yards - but no pressure. A variety of prizes will be given out including a golf travel bag from Bobicks, rounds of golf from Brookwood Golf course, and a four-some to Myrtle Beach! No purchase will be necesary; however, we are asking for a $10 donation for charity. All proceeds will go to Riley Children's Hospital and the United Way of Allen County, so it's fun for a good cause! We hope that you will join us! Click here for more information. 

FWA Debuts New Security Technology

Today the TSA gave local media a in-depth look at the new advanced imaging technology (AIT) that Fort Wayne International Airport has debuted. This technology is the latest and greatest when it comes to security - it's thorough, and less invasive for the traveling public, in that it does not require physical contact.

AIT safely screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats, including explosives, without physical contact. TSA has take care to ensure strict privacy protections are in place, and the technology is optional for all passengers. TSA will deploy 450 AIT units to airports nationwide in 2010. The scanner uses low-level X-rays to detect objects beneath clothing. FWA is currently one of a limited number of airports in the U.S. to have the scanners. 

Allegiant Launches Inaugural Flight for New Non-Stop Service

Have you purchased your tickets to Myrtle Beach yet?

Dave Young, VP of Air Service Development, tells me there are some great deals to be grabbed right now to Myrtle Beach... word is Florida, too.

Last Friday Dave and others at the Airport cut a celebratory ribbon in honor of Allegiant Air's inaugural flight for its new non-stop service between Fort Wayne International Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport. Tory Richardson, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority says:

"The region's travelers now have the opportunity to enjoy yet another non-stop low-fare destination from Fort Wayne. Because of the low fares Allegiant offers, flights have been booking fast, so if you're looking for a new beach or golf destination, don't wait to book your trip!"

For flight availability and fares, contact Allegiant Air at (702) 505-8888 or visit allegiantair.com. 

Warmer Weather and the Longest Drive

Fresh off the heels of our aviation luncheon with Michael Boyd, we have two more exciting airport-related events to report.

First, tomorrow will be the official launch of the new non-stop service on Allegiant Air between Fort Wayne International Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport. I don't know about you, but the weather around here the last couple of weeks hasn't been quite warm enough for me... Myrtle Beach is sounding really good.

Allegiant will operate two flights per week, departing FWA on Mondays and Fridays at 4:40 p.m. and arriving at MYR at 6:30 p.m. Tory Richardson, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority says:

“The region’s travelers now have the opportunity to enjoy yet another non-stop low-fare destination from Fort Wayne. Because of the low fares Allegiant offers, flights have been booking fast, so if you’re looking for a new beach or golf destination, don’t wait to book your trip!” For flight availability and fares, contact Allegiant Air at 702.505.8888 or visit www.allegiantair.com.

...What's the second piece of exciting news, you say? Well only your chance to set a new Guinness World Record! The Airport Authority and the Chamber will be hosting a "Longest Drive" competition on Wednesday, May 26 from 3 to 7 p.m. See how far you can hit the golf ball - participants will receive a certificate, as well as the opportunity for prizes, including round trip tickets to Myrtle Beach! Best of all, all proceeds go to charity. Read more here. 

Toto, we're not in Fort Wayne, IN anymore...

I hope you made it to our Aviation Luncheon today with national air service expert Michael Boyd... not only was it informative and at times entertaining, the food was excellent if I may say so myself!

First a little background. Michael Boyd is known throughout the U.S. as an expert on air service and is highly sought to provide insight into national and local trends impacting airlines, airports, and aircraft manufacturers. About 25 years ago he co-founded Boyd Group International, and ever since then he's dedicated himself to integrity, research and cutting-edge expertise. He calls it like he sees it, and that's the way we like it.

His to-the-point assessment is of great value to us for, as you know, one of the divisions of the Chamber is Air Service Development, with one of our VP's, Dave Young, entirely devoted to developing and marketing air service at Fort Wayne International Airport.

If you missed today's luncheon, I hope you can catch us next time, and for now, here's a key thought to walk away with. One point Boyd stresses over and over again is this - it's not about the number of passengers. The number of tickets sold is not an accurate measure of success - what matters is whether we can bring people from all over the world to us, and whether we can get to them. It's important to think in terms of inbound traffic, not just outbound (i.e. it's more than whether we can get to a nice vacation spot from Fort Wayne). As Boyd would say, it's all about access. I had the opportunity to sit down with Boyd for a few minutes today, and here is what he said:

"Access is everything. If you don’t have access to and from the rest of the world, you don’t get investment, you don’t get expansion. Can that business man from Shanghai get here? Yes, he's good. Can that auto supplier in Munich get here? Can that small manufacturer in upstate New York get here? Too many people think air service is about low prices to Orlando. This is not Fort Wayne, Indiana anymore. It's Fort Wayne, globe."

All in all, measuring what is important (global access), we're doing just fine. When I asked Boyd if FWA is poised for success, he said:

"No. It already is successful."

If you would like more information on our local air service industry, contact Dave Young at (260) 747-4146. For more pictures from today's event, visit www.facebook.com/ftwaynechamber.

Don't Miss Boyd Next Week at the Chamber

Don't forget to RSVP for next Tuesday's luncheon with national aviation expert Michael Boyd. He will be speaking about the state of the airline industry in the U.S., as well as addressing the state of local air service in Fort Wayne. Air service has a great impact on our region's economy. Boyd says it is vital not only for us to be able to reach the world, but for the world to have easy access to Fort Wayne and surrounding areas.

For more thoughts from Boyd, check out his Q&A in our latest issue of Emphasis. And, for the true in-depth analysis, join us next Tuesday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. here at the Chamber. Cost is $5 for Chamber members, and $10 for non-members, and that includes a catered lunch! RSVP's are appreciated. Register now!

National Aviation Expert to Speak on Fort Wayne Air Industry

We hope that you will join us on Tuesday, April 27 at Noon for a special luncheon with national aviation expert Michael Boyd. Michael is the founder and president of Boyd Group International, and is well known as an expert in futurist aviation issues, often called upon by the national media to provide input regarding events and trends affecting airlines, airports, and aircraft manufacturers. 

He will speak about the state of the airline industry in the United States as well as address the state of local air service in Fort Wayne. Boyd Group is known for cutting edge forecasting trends of the aviation industry and the ability to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the local and regional aviation industry. Learn more and register for the luncheon here, and, look for a Q&A with Michael in the April 16 issue of Emphasis magazine. 

Aviation Expert to Appear at the Chamber

We are excited to announce that Michael Boyd, president of Boyd Group International, will once again come to the Chamber to present an analysis of the current and future state of the airline industry in the United States. Michael is a nationally acclaimed aviation expert. His company, the Boyd Group, is known for cutting edge forecasting trends, and for analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of local and regional aviation industries. Michael comes to us to speak about the airline industry in the U.S., as well as address the state of our local air service in Fort Wayne. As you know, one of our initiatives at the Chamber is to market Fort Wayne International Airport - we believe it's important that our business community have ready access to the global marketplace, and that they have ready access to us!

Michael will speak at a luncheon on April 27 at Noon here at the Chamber. You can register as well as read more about Micheal Boyd here.

P.S.Speaking of the air industry, we just wanted to say "thanks" - Allegiant Air set a first-day record for a new flight after announcing their new non-stop service between Fort Wayne and Myrtle Beach! Your support of their investment in Fort Wayne is of great value!

Tee-Time and Sun Soaking: $9.99 One-Way Air Service Between Fort Wayne and Myrtle Beach

by Lauren Richwine, Communications Specialist

Palm trees, cookies and golf clubs… the Fort Wayne International Airport sure knows how to put on a press conference! Earlier today I had the pleasure of attending said event where a big announcement was being eagerly anticipated. Don’t worry, I won’t hold you in suspense the way I was.

Fort Wayne has scored a hole-in-one with Allegiant Air and is providing nonstop flights to Myrtle Beach, S.C. from Fort Wayne beginning April 30. To celebrate this new service to such a premier golf and beach destination, introductory fares will be as low as $49.99 each way. But, that’s not all! Today, and today only, the airline is offering an EXTREMELY limited number of fares as low as $9.99 one-way to/from Myrtle Beach. That’s twenty bucks for a round trip! The offer ends at midnight and reservations for that rate can be made by visiting www.allegiantair.com or by calling the airline’s Reservations Center at 702-505-8888.

It’s a perfect time of year for the airport to introduce this new service. Just when we’re all aching and wishing for Spring, they’re flashing incredibly affordable tickets to the beach before our eyes.

Tory Richardson, Fort Wayne’s executive director of airports says: “We get asked a lot to add more ‘fun and sun’ destinations to our list. I can’t believe it’s only going to cost $10 to fly to Myrtle Beach. I have a meeting across town this afternoon that’s going to cost me more.”

John Fenyes, Director of Sales for Allegiant Air says: “I have the pleasant job of bringing good news to cities. This is a beautiful airport and we are pleased to be here. It’s 60 degrees in Myrtle Beach today. Considering that right now it’s 18 degrees here, I’d like to get on a plane and go today.”

Read more about this exciting news. To see pictures from the press conference, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ftwaynechamber.

FWA Still Flying High

Fort Wayne International Airport has more good news to share. Just a couple of weeks ago we shared their announcement that Delta Air Lines will be bringing new seasonal non-stop service between Fort Wayne and Minneapolis/St. Paul starting in May. Well, it has just been announced that come June, Delta will also be offering a third flight to Atlanta. Tickets are already on sale, and you can fine-tune your flight details here.

That's not all, though... We've gotten wind that another announcement will be coming down the pipeline tomorrow morning. Media have been invited to attend an exciting air service announcement Tuesday, February 23 at 10 a.m. at the airport. While we don't have details to give you yet, we're sure you'll be hearing more about this tomorrow! Stay tuned.

Free H1N1 Vaccine Offered at FWA

Starting tomorrow and lasting through Friday, the Indiana Department of Health in collaboration with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department will be offering free H1N1 flu vaccination shots to airport staff, patrons and the general public for anyone over the age of six months. The vaccinations will be given from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., February 9 to 12, at the Fort Wayne International Airport. The vaccinations will take place in the Business Center Room located at the east end of the terminal building near baggage claim. Parking will be available in either short or long term parking with validations of parking being provided to participants.